Introduction to Lynch Clan

My Lynch ancestors from Ireland came to America in 1848. The group included my Grandfather James Lynch and his five siblings, ages 10 to 18, who sailed without their parents to New York City. Soon they were living in a tenement house in Massachusetts working in a textile mill. From there they gradually migrated west. This blog will contain information gathered by my mother, Hazel Lynch Skonberg from her father, giving details of the trip over and life in America. There is also a diary written by his son, Will Lynch, who was with the American Consular Service of the State Department, and was taken hostage on Dec. 8, 1941, by the Japanese Army who had captured Shanghai that day. I hope you enjoy this blog about the James Lynch family in America.

To receive these blogs by email, sign your email address in the space called Follow By Email, provided on the right hand side of the page. Roselyn George

Friday, December 30, 2011

Will Lynch pays his Masonic dues (I never knew he was a Mason). Talks to Consulate General Lockhart and Consul Stanton about taking care of the office property.

March 31, 1942. Tuesday. 114th Day.

Robert Dollar Building in old
Shanghai, China in 1920's
Notice "Rick shaw"
mode of transportation.
Click on picture to enlarge

Nice weather. No good news. Got a pass and went down town. Saw tailor about repairs and 2 pairs Khaki pants. All to be finished by Thursday, April 2nd. Paid Masonic dues, Chinese $35.00, to Mr. Phil Giovannini, Secretary, and I am to get receipt early next week. Looked in and kidded gang at American Association Relief, 7th floor of Dollar Building. (This building, built in 1923, was the first home of Chinese Radio in all of China. It was connected to American Radio, and quickly became very popular with the Chinese people). Rummy score was 1-1 vs. JBS.

April 1, 1942. Wednesday. 115th Day. Nice weather. No particular items to note. Saw, for 3rd time, "100 men and a Girl" with Deanna Durbin. Still good, especially the music. Beat JBS 1-0 at Rummy, taking the "super series".

April 2, 1942. Thursday. 116th Day. Fine weather. Beat Brookhart 4-0 at rummy. At dinner (supper), took up with Consulate General Lockhart and Consul Stanton, matter of wrapping moth balls in office rugs, putting property cards in safe, wrapping up house furniture.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Will Lynch celebrated Easter by attending two church services--Catholic and Russian Orthodox, even though he was Methodist. Roselyn

April 3, 1942. Friday (Good Friday). 117th Day. Fine Easter weather. Good news. Rumor--fairly authentic--hath it we embark April 25th. Let's hope. Had a pass today but did nothing in particular. Beat JBS badly at checkers.

April 4, 1942. Saturday 118th Day. Warm, but turned chilly and rainy. Saw "Wild Geese Calling" at Cathay. Fair. Lost rummy 2-0 to JBS. He was quite pleased. Wrote several business letters re change of address and payments.

Old St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox
Church in Shanghai.
Click on picture to enlarge

April 5, 1942. Sunday (Easter). 119th Day. Cold, quite. Used heavy winter overcoat, but sunny. Saw good show at Grande--Bing Crosby in "Birth of the Blues". Good fun. Got a pretty good leather suitcase, used, for Ch. $80.00 (about US$4.00) on Rue Bourgeat. New, similar, are priced at 250/350. A.M. and I had a snack at New Winter Garden. We had gone to Catholic Church for 11:00 a.m. Mass. Good music. Packed Church. We stood up. Then looked in on Russian Orthodox Catholic Church. Quite different, but both have an ornate ritual.

Will Lynch goes out quite a bit, considering he is a "captive" of the Japanese. He also keeps up with his investments in stocks in America, tells of companies taken over by the Japanese.

March 30, 1942. Monday. 113th Day. Sunny and cool. At 14:45 a.m., met F.L. We went to Canidrome and watched practice dog races. Good fun. Then to a small Chinese restaurant. Thence to 2:30 p.m. show at Cathay. "Hold That Ghost". Had 2 "comps". Back in Cathay Mansions by 4:15 p.m. No good new yet. Today's papers show firms taken by Japanese as 16 American and 21 British. I think that is incomplete. Tonight's paper carried item regarding Chinese Reserve Bank notes vs. Fapi (old legal Chinese notes). Seems to be some snags. A few days ago rate was CRB $100 vs Fapi 130.00. But it looks as if a change has been made. It remains to be seen. ASPRO--one type of aspirin. Comes from Australia. Local agents, one Dodwells (Mr. Nielsen). All local supplies were confiscated by the Japanese. None available in local druggists. One store offered to sell at Chinese $0.40 per pill. My last purchase was a package of 27 for Chinese $5.00. Got letter, in duplicate, from C.D. Culbertson re 200 Techinicolor and 100 Corn Products.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Will Lynch comments that he has to pay for his room and board, even though he is being held by Japanese as diplomatic prisoner. Roselyn

March 27, 1942. Friday. 110th Day. Cooler. Apparently repatriation to begin next month---unless. I am thinking of selling my radio for $ ?? Beat J.B.S. 2-0 at rummy. Am tired of seeing most of the gang. Prices increased my dinky room 903 and board is Chinese $1,450.00 about US $80.00!

March 28, 1942. Saturday . 111th Day. Cool--cloudy. Saw "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck of "Grapes of Wrath" fame, at Uptown Theater. "Lousy", I thought. President Quezon of Philippine Islands was reported as assassinated recently. Evening Post tonight states Quezon is with General MacArthur in Australia, which is true. Otherwise, tra la tra la.

March 29, 1942. Sunday. 112th Day. Cool and sunny. Got a pass and visited Radio Corporation of Asia. Was offered Chinese $500.00 for my radio, if and when I desire to sell. Which is ok, as it is an old model and I have had 19 months' use. Thence to Y.M.C.A. Went to Ballet Russe at 2:15 p.m. at Lyceum for Chinese $3.30, about US $0.18 for ballet Copellia by Delibes. Fine music, excellent dancing and beautiful costumes. Have seen it before and hope to again. War news continues "blue".

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Will Lynch hears that they are to leave on a Japanese ship the end of April. He doubts it will be on a Japanese ship. Roselyn

March 24, 1942. Tuesday 107th Day. Sunny and warm--too hot. Got a pass. Retrieved a shoe that was being stretched at Hollywood Shoe Shop, Palace Hotel, Room 109. Called on Captain Tornroth of Sea Captain's Shop. He has given back most of his shop to owners, Ezras. Someone is putting in a club. Captain has two small rooms. Got phone number 76470 of F Liu. J.B.S says we are to leave on a Japanese ship the end of April for East Africa. I doubt it will be via a Japanese ship. Lost rummy plenty today. Brookhart 2-1. J.B.S. 1-0. Beat J.B.S. plenty at checkers. March 25, 1942. Wednesday. 108th Day. Warm. Nothing to report.

March 26, 1942. Thursday. 109th Day. Cooler--sunny--nice. Got a pass, but as D.C.B. failed to take matter up with the Japanese, the key to room 406 was not brought over, I could not get in. Some smart Japanese got fresh over matter of again entering the Consulate. Matter is in abeyance until Tuesday, March 31st. Repatriation seems approaching, to leave about end of April---maybe. Here's hoping. Took 2 blue coats and one pair trousers to Wm. Yu for repairs. Am getting 2 pairs khaki trousers for 2 x 50--Chinese $50,00 from Wm Yu.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Will Lynch gets passes to shop and eat out. He continues to play various games to fight the boredom. And, of course, likes to win. Roselyn

March 21, 1942. Saturday. 104th Day Sunny and nice. Got a pass and took shoe to be stretched, got hair cut (Chinese $1.60 plus 40 cent tip--about US 12 cents.) Good chow, a la Chinese, at Mrs. James. Lena Ritter and Alice Murphy were there. No good news yet. Wm. Yu will make me khaki trousers for Chinese $50.00--about US $2.75.

March 22, 1942. Sunday. 105th Day. Quite warm. Got a pass. Had lunch with Mr. and Mrs. James at Jimmy's Kitchen. Roast goose, gravy, sweet spuds (potatoes) and bread with sweet potato flour. Good. Walked down and back--about 3 miles or more. Weighed 201 pounds. Back by 3:30--tired. Returned to cribbage game. Capt. West and Myself won 2-1 from Mr. McLorn and Miss Lambley. War news continues lousy.

March 23, 1942. Monday. 106th Day. Rainy--dreary. Stayed in all day. No outstanding news. Radio and papers, as per usual, still claim Allies losing. Who knows? Beat J.B.S. at checkers and rummy.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Life goes on during Will Lynch's captivity by the Japanese with boredom and wondering when repatriation will come. Roselyn

March 18, 1942. Wednesday 101st Day.

Cathay Mansions, French Concession, in Shanghai,
where Will Lynch and others were held
as diplomatic prisoners in 1942. It was the first
high rise apartment building in Shanghai,
built in 1928. Click on picture to enlarge.

Sunny and warmer. Lost cards to Mr. Groves---cribbage 4-0 and rummy 1-0. Am at a nadir on cards. Repatriation. Looks like might be. About May or June on some Swedish ship, the SS Drottingholm (11055 tons) via Portuguese East Africa.

March 19, 1942. Thursday. 102nd Day. Nice sunny weather. Beat Brookhart 4-0 at rummy and lost 2-0 to J.B.S. Capt. West, Mr. Mclorn, and Miss Lambley played cribbage. Miss L. and Mr. Mclorn won 2-1. War news continues "lousy". Paper and radio shows Japanese are plenty exuberant re what they propose to do.

March 20, 1942. Friday. 103rd Day. Nice weather. No good news. Lost 2-0 and won 2-0 in rummy with Brookhart and J.B.S.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Will Lynch says soap and food are becoming scarce. The JBS frequently mentioned as his Rummy partner, may be a Mr. Stanton who was Consul in the State Dept. in Shanghai Consulate. I have read several wires between State Department Head, Cordell Hull and Consul Stanton written prior to Dec 7, 1941, expressing concern about the threat of the Japanese to Shanghai. Roselyn

March 16, 1942. Monday. 99th Day. Sunny and warmer. Soap is getting scarce. Bought 2 pieces of Palmolive for Chinese $5.20. Am reading "Grapes of Wrath". Very interesting. Lost cribbage 3-2 to Mr. Groves. Beat J.B.S both at cribbage and rummy. Food seems to be a bit of a problem--and increasingly so. Chan (his former house boy) failed to get the job. I was afraid he could not qualify. Probably feels I must support him forever. "Jean" over radio tonight says she'll keep trying to land him a job. I gave him $100.00 "fopi" (not surewhat that means) to change for Central Reserve Bank notes, but doubt if he'll make it.

March 17, 1942. Tuesday. 100th Day. St. Patrick's Day. (His father had emigrated to America from Ireland on that day in 1848.) Good weather. War news continues "lousy", but apparently U.S.A. and Co. are realizing they must "do their stuff", or else. Beat J.B.S. 2-0 at Rummy. Finished "Grapes of Wrath" and loaned it to A.M. Finished "Morgan the Magnificent". Have an invite to Chinese chow next Saturday at Mrs. James. She puts out a good Chinese chow. A.M. hopes to get in on repatriation--if and when.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Some of the pictures posted on this blog were taken by Greg Davis, a grand nephew of Will Lynch, and son of my sister, Evelyn Skonberg Davis. Thank You, Greg, for pictures taken on your recent trip to Shanghai. These are pictures of the Custom House, mentioned in an earlier diary entry. One is recent taken by Greg and an older picture taken in the 1930s photographer, unknown. Roselyn

Shanghai Customs House, 1930's
From Shanghai History
Note that buildings are on shoreline of the River
Click on picture to enlarge

Cold. Put my "longies" back on.Got a pass. Enroute to Foreign YMCA, met Bess Barnes and she insisted we go to Grand to see "Nothing But The Truth". Not much of a picture. Then we went to the YMCA and got some books. Came back to the Lyceum. Think in future I'll take my music via radio, free gratis and for nothin'. Still no good news.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Will Lynch flips a coin to decide when Allies will win. As a Vice Consul, he seemed to have some privileges. It appears A.M. has given up on this confirmed bachelor! Roselyn

March 13, 1942. Friday. 96th Day. Damp, cloudy and warm. Returned a book "The People's Choice by Herbert Agar, to Foreign Y.M.C.A. Is a "thumb nail" sketch of Presidents Washington to Harding. Very interesting. Then checked out "Grapes of Wrath". Radio XMHC, Evening Post, on its evening "Help Thy Neighbor" program, announced it has a job for Chan, my house boy. I'll send him to her, "Jean", tomorrow. War! Gosh, seems Australians are all "Burned up". I flipped a coin tonight and it seems Allies will win in 1943. In the interim, we are stranded here? Asked A.M. to go to movie. Declined. Also declined to go to concert Sunday.

March 14, 1942. Saturday. 97th Day. Colder--cloudy. Got up too late for breakfast, so lunch tasted good. Beginning today, we register in and out at room 927, with Japanese Consular people. War news continues bad. Nothing further anent repatriation. Hope I have landed a job for Chan--my Chinese cook, through "Jean" of SMHC of Shanghai Evening Post. Bunion on my right foot is increasing in tenderness. Donned a winter suit.

For the history of the American Consul in Shanghai, click on the above link. When the Treaty of Nanking was signed, the Chinese were forced to open the port of Shanghai in 1844, which began an International Settlement of many countries in the Bund section of Shanghai. The Bund is a mile long stretch along the river composed of many historical buildings beginning in that year.

March 12, 1942. Friday. 95th Day. Warm and some sun. 9th floor of Cathay Mansions is occupied by Americans. Access up to this morning has been unguarded, but today the elevator doors to 9th floor were blocked. Reason is unknown. Rumor hath it the doors will be unblocked tomorrow, Friday, March 13th! That'll make it a "Lucky Friday 13th". Mr. Lockhart gave a party 7:30-8:00 p.m. in his quarters 919-920. A pleasant 1/2 hour. Sufficient libations--18 present. Have asked for a pass for tomorrow. Lost rummy 1-0 to J.B.S. today.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Will Lynch hears that Java may fall and then Japanese will make a bid for Australia. He mentions "our cousins" referring to his father's sister and family who emigrated to Australia in 1848. He meets with Swiss and Japanese Consulate people. Roselyn

March 7, 1942. Saturday. 90th Day. Sunny and warmer. Miss Renee Nieh called and we fixed up a letter to Service, Chungking, to accompany a message to Frank Gallop, C.B.S, N.Y. to deliver to Herby Gallop. She seems a bit "sweet" on him. Foolish gal. She's got plenty on the ball. Oh hum. In p. m., met Swiss Consulate man at U.S. Consulate and gave them Register and Articles of S.S. Ramona, a Panamanian ship captured by Japanese. Berger, Sawyer, Hinke and 4 Japanese Consular people present. Seems Japanese will take Java, and then will make a bid for Australia. Well, our cousins better waken. Japanese removed many motor cars from Auto Palace, corner of Mercier and Bourgeat.

March 8, 1942. Sunday. 91st Day. Sunny and nice. Very few motor cars on streets anymore, due to gas shortage and Japanese. Streets much cleaner. Many are walking and lots of bicycles. Trans crowded. Likewise movies, and many old films being revived. Romeo and Juliet, revived at Roxy has run about 10 days or 2 weeks and at 2:00 p.m. today, I could not get tickets for 2:30 p.m. show. Today's papers had long item re repatriation of Americans, but seems British and Netherlands still unsettled. Seems Java is about to "throw in the towel". Then Australia is supposed to be next in line--mebbe (maybe). Has taken Allies a long time to get the idea re air planes. Ho-hum. Where's Billy Mitchell? (World War I air pilot).

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Will Lynch is critical of isolationists, pacifists. He goes to the Ballet. Roselyn

March 4, 1942. Wednesday. 87th Day

Bund section of Shanghai today by Greg Davis
Area where foreign countries have Businesses & Embassies

Wet but not cold. Hard on beggars, those the cold winter did not kill. Japanese and Germans still claim to be winning. Wonder what our lousy isolationists, pacifists, and strikers now think? They should be slightly spanked, etc. Won 3-1 from Brookhart and drew 1-1 rummy with J.B.S. Repatriation! Ah. When? If? Miss R. Nieh sent me a pound of Bakerite "Chews". Very kind of her.

March 5, 1942. Thursday. 88th Day. Forgot to make the entry. Was rainy.

March 6, 1942. Friday. 89th Day. Wet in forenoon. Went to Russian Ballet at 2:30 at Grand, capacity 2200. Full house. 24 piece orchestra was good. So was the ballet. All was a success. Was lucky to get 2 seats (2 x 3--Chinese $10.00--about US $0.55). Balcony row 1, seats 6 and 8. Best seats. Had been returned tickets. Sun shone at 5:00 p.m. In morning called on Capt. Tornroth, He's all burned up. He has Chinese $100,000 in S.P.C. and fears to lose all. Had a hot toddy. Repatriation seems to be progressing. Seems Batavia has fallen to Japanese.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Will Lynch sees part of down town Shanghai, China, cut off due to a bombing. Roselyn

March 2, 1942. Monday. 85th Day.

Customs House Today--Picture by Greg Davis
Will Lynch heard the clock chime from
his apartment on Dec 7, 1941

Wet, cold, lousy. Radios and papers report Japanese winning in Java, but claims too fantastic and exaggerated for full belief. Lost 2-1 and 2-0 in rummy to Brookhart and J.B.S. Am finishing third volume of "George Washington" by Rupert Hughes. Excellent work. No repatriation news.

March 3, 1942. Tuesday. 86th Day.

Sunny and warmer. Went, with several others, to the Consulate and got several things. Saw a section downtown wired off, due to "bomb outrages". Seems this is the Japanese method of punishing a section for not catching the perpetrator. Japanese guards with guns at the ready stood by. No entrance or exit was permitted. Shopkeepers could do no business. War news continues no good. We wonder how much is fact of our radio and paper news.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Will Lynch, still a captive of the Japanese in Shanghai, says the Navy "had better get busy--or else". Apparently the Foreign YMCA is still open in Shanghai. Roselyn

February 28, 1942. Saturday. 83rd Day . Fine weather. No definite news yet. Local radio and papers continue to publicize Japanese successes, but apparently meeting resistances in Java. It's about time the U.S. Navy was getting busy and cutting out the talk. The Navy has a job to do--or else. Also, the "New Deal" and our pacifists had best go into limbo--or some other place.

March 1, 1942. Sunday. 84th Day. Wet, but not cold. Had a pass. Went to Foreign YMCA and got a book, "The People's Choice", re presidents of U.S.A.--Washington to Harding. Lost 2-1 to Brookhart but won 2-0 from J.B.S. at rummy. E.B. called but A.M. didn't, which is o.k. Seems there is a big Navy battle on around Java. Radio said Japanese are winning, per Jap's claim. Got bank statement showing my balance at National China Bank as Ch. $0.00. It's correct, except I have a U.S. $7.34 balance.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Will Lynch comments on the fact that Shanghai is very different now. Also has some words for American "pacifists". After the war he married a retired teacher from America he had met when she was touring with other teachers. Was this her?? Roselyn

February 26, 1942. Thursday. 81st Day.Cloudy and chilly, but February is about finished so there'll likely be no more long cold periods. No good news yet. Radio and local papers claim Axis Powers, including Japanese, continue winning. Beat Brookhart 3-0 at rummy. J.B.S. won 1-0. This old town sure has slowed down. Very few motor cars. Travel is by foot, bicycle or trams. Gasoline is "few". No foreign shipping. Japs have taken over about all Settlement Municipal jobs; also Customs job. Hey Ho. Wot a mess!

February 27, 1942. Friday. 82nd Day. Sunny and warmer. News is not good. Seems Los Angeles had enemy airplane scare. Wonder what the Isolationists and Pacifists think now, especially a certain teacher tourist, who in 1938 told me I should return to U.S.A. and "get in touch" when I told her, when viewing devastated Shanghai, that "If you Pacifists had your way, we in the U.S.A. would be herded, as were the Chinese here". Had tea with Pauline Meyers. She has a husband in U.S.A. Beat Mr. Groves 4-1 at cribbage. Lost acey-deucy 2-0 to Mr. Lockhart. Tied rummy 1-1 with J.B.S. No news re repatriation.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Will Lynch writes that the weather is cold and room is chilly. Continues to play card games, etc. to pass the time. He also hears that California has been bombed. Roselyn

February 24, 1942. Tuesday. 79th Day. Colder. Cloudy. Bad luck at cards. Brookhart won running 4-0. J.B.S. 1-0 and at checkers 2-3. War news continues bad. Looks like British might give way in North Africa. No further news re repatriation. My tummy operation is a bit sensitive. I must reduce my food intake. I find by filling my tub with hot water, I can keep my room warm, even after the heat "goes off" at 9:00 p,m.

February 25, 1942. Wednesday. 80th Day. Wet, cloudy, nasty and chilly. Mr. Calder threw a cocktail party in his room. 'Twas a success. War news continues bad. Looks like F.D.R. (President Franklin Roosevelt) and his New Dealers will have a job on their hands. Shanghai Times is sending me 4 copies, the Consulate's subscriptions paid to June 30, 1942. Have asked Evening Post to do the same. Seems California coast got bombed. Local radio features. Local FFZ--French radio here, put a WERTHER--Massenet--9:30-11:00 p.m. Excellent.